Simple Tips for Remembering Names

Are you sometimes embarrassed when you grope for the name of familiar person? These ten suggestions, when practiced regularly, will help improve your memory and boost your confidence. They are reminders of items discussed at today’s lecture.

1. Pay attention. Most people with poor memories suffer from a lack of attention rather than poor retention. Focus on what is being said. Use the PEN technique demonstrated today.
2. Visualize what you want to remember. Snap a photo of the new person you met alongside an image of what they discussed.
3. Exaggerate what you want to remember. Make outlandish associations, devise funny reminders, use rhymes, etc.
4. Practice using the person’s name silently as you listen. Ask questions. Practice makes permanent, if not perfect.
5. End the conversation by tagging on the person’s name, “Have a good trip, Mr. Smith.”
6. Pair the name with a vivid picture that the name suggests. See Mr. Baker with a loaf of bread, Mr. Carpenter with a saw; also link the name: Jack Frost, Mary Poppins, Fred Flint stone, etc.
7. Remember the SUAVE system: Say, Use, Ask, Visualize, and End
8. Train yourself to be more observant when meeting a new person. Try to reduce clutter in your life.
9. Write things down. Keep lists, calendars, diaries.
10. Learn to forget! “May you never forget what is worth remembering and may you never remember what is best forgotten.”